General Program Description

The entry level professional clinical doctorate curriculum (DPT) is 36 months in length. Classes begin in August of the first year and end in July of the third year. Didactic content is presented predominately in an integrated format with a strong evidence based practice thread throughout the curriculum. The first year curriculum includes anatomy, orthopaedics, and prosthetics. The second year includes pediatrics, adult neurological disorders, cardiopulmonary and acute care. Newer courses emphasize differential diagnosis, gerontology, and health, wellness and fitness. Students must successfully complete and present an evidence-based “capstone” project under the supervision of a faculty member in order to graduate. Access the PT program’s website by clicking here.

Clinical Experiences
All students must successfully complete 36-weeks of full-time clinical education before the degree may be conferred. Hospital and health care facilities throughout New Mexico and a limited number of facilities outside the state are utilized in the final clinical education experiences.

Faculty
There are 10 full-time core faculty members and 80% hold post-professional doctoral degrees. Additionally, there are several supporting and numerous adjunct faculty engaged in the educational mission. The faculty is engaged in research and clinical practice to varying degrees. All faculty have been physical therapists for more than 10 years and have extensive clinical as well as academic experience.

Enrollment
The University enrolls more than 25,000 students. Up to 30 students are accepted annually in the Physical Therapy Program. Transfer students from other physical therapy programs are not accepted.

Admission
The UNM PT Program participates in PTCAS. Applications can be downloaded off our website. The application deadline through PTCAS is November 2, 2015. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to the deadline. Interviews are typically conducted in February, and classes begin in August. The UNM PT doctorate program is 3 years in length. The average science grade point average for those offered positions in the Class of 2018 was 3.84. Current program prerequisites can be found here.  Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field and take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A competitive GRE score for the Class of 2018 was Verbal: 157 (71%); Quantitative: 154 (55%) and Written: 4.25. The admissions process is competitive with more than 200 applicants each year.

Outcomes
92.41% of admitted students graduate from the program (3-year average). Ultimate pass rate on the national licensure exam is: Class of 2011: 100%; Class of 2012: 92%; Class of 2013: 100%.

Tuition, fees and financial aid
Estimated program costs can be found here. Financial aid is available to physical therapy students through the North Campus Financial Aid Office. Scholarship opportunities can be found here.

Student life
The Physical Therapy Program is located within the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico (population 797,940, as of the 2005 census, elevation 5,000 feet above sea level), which lies in the high desert ecosystem in central New Mexico at the crossroads of Interstate 40 (Route 66) and Interstate 25. Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, straddles the Rio Grande River and is bordered by the Sandia Mountains on the East and a string of five inactive volcanoes that make up Volcano City Park and Petroglyph National Monument, on the West. The city represents a synergy of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo peoples, where traditional and modern cultures coexist. The University of New Mexico is centrally located in Albuquerque. Sandia National Laboratory brings science and technology to this city of the Old West. A number of Native American Reservations and Pueblos exist in or near the city. Albuquerque is a city full of exciting attractions, activities and events, including; historic Old Town, zoological and biological parks, nature centers, museums, river rafting and renowned ski areas (within a few hours drive), the longest tram in North America, hiking and biking trails, wineries and vineyards, casino gaming and bingo, golf, horseback riding, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Albuquerque was recently named fourth out of the top 10 movie making cities in the US and it has been called the most culturally diverse city in the Country. Albuquerque features a unique balance of a prehistoric past and a high-tech present. For more information about Albuquerque visit the Albuquerque Visitor’s Center website. A variety of housing is available for students including dormitories, apartments, and rental houses. Parking is by permit on campus, but housing is often close enough to allow students to walk or ride bikes to class.